SBS's blockbuster hit... "The Great Leader" → "Manager Kim" consecutive home runs: "Fun is the answer"

*This content was translated by AI.

'Manager Kim' has created a massive box office phenomenon, starring Bang Geuk-jang-e (EVP), and is rewriting K-drama history.

The fourth episode of 'Manager Kim', broadcast on the 4th, recorded a peak viewership rating of 25.1%, an average of 22.7% in the Seoul metropolitan area, and 21.6% nationwide, once again shattering its own record at a frightening pace. This marks the first mini-series to break the 20th% threshold in nearly two years, drawing significant attention. Notably, reaching the 20th% viewership mark in just four episodes is the fastest rate in SBS history, surpassing the upward trends of past mega hits such as 'The Priest', 'Stove League', and 'The Penthouse 2'. Based on four episodes, it holds the highest viewership rating among all SBS Saturday-Sunday dramas. With top ratings, buzz, and global OTT rankings all secured, 'Manager Kim syndrome' has been perfectly validated through data, shaking up living rooms across the country.

The box office power of SBS's Saturday-Sunday drama 'Manager Kim' was fully demonstrated not only in viewership but also in buzz metrics that transcend generations and genders. The 2049 viewership rating—a key indicator for advertisers and a gauge of a work’s actual buzz and trends—reached an average of 7.6% and peaked at 8.81%, setting a new all-channel record across both terrestrial and cable networks in two years.

According to Nielsen Korea, the official viewership survey institution (based on four episodes), 'Manager Kim' has drawn in viewers from young generations to middle-aged and older adults, regardless of gender or age, bringing them all to their living room TVs. In particular, the share among men in their 30s rose nearly sixfold compared to the first episode, while the share among men in their 20s surpassed 50%, successfully attracting male viewers who previously did not watch TV. Additionally, it completely captured the core demographic of female viewers aged 30–59 (peak share: 46%) and the trendsetting female viewers in their 20s (peak share: 44%).

Moreover, in the first week of July, SBS's Saturday-Sunday drama 'Manager Kim' and actor So Ji-sub both ranked first in TV-OTT drama and performer buzz categories. By achieving top positions for both the work and its lead actor, they firmly solidified the 'Manager Kim syndrome'.

With this back-to-back success following the mega hit 'The Great Leader', SBS has now produced another blockbuster with 'Manager Kim'. Both works topped domestic viewership charts and reached the top of Netflix's global rankings, earning recognition for their quality not only in Korea but also in the global market.

Commenting on this consecutive home run success, Hong Seong-chang (CEO) of Studio S, the production company behind SBS dramas, stated, "This proves that if content is truly fun, viewers will still gather around their TVs." Regarding the secret to its success, he analyzed, "The story powerfully demonstrates how far an ordinary person can become strong in order to protect someone precious. This message resonates universally across all generations and even globally, sparking enthusiastic reactions from audiences worldwide."

As 'Manager Kim' rose to syndromic status in just four episodes, trust in actor So Ji-sub and the work itself also reached its peak. Earlier, during the 'SBS Drama Media Day: Next Episode' event held on June 1, So Ji-sub expressed deep affection and confidence in the project, directly stating, "I really want to do Season 2," which heated up the atmosphere at the event. With 'Manager Kim' having conquered living rooms in just four episodes, attention now turns to what historic records it may achieve over the remaining six episodes.

Meanwhile, 'Manager Kim' airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 p.m.

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*This content was translated by AI.